Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder - Episode #595: More Than A Family Feud - Quincy, Illinois

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman

Introduction

In Episode #595 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into a harrowing true-crime story set in Quincy, Illinois. This episode, titled "More Than A Family Feud," unravels the intricate details of a tragic murder intertwined with personal relationships and community dynamics.

Quincy, Illinois: The Setting

Quincy, known as the "Gem City," is situated in western Illinois along the Mississippi River. With a population of approximately 39,687, Quincy boasts a predominantly white demographic (89%) and a highly religious community (78% Christian). The city has a rich history marked by significant events:

• 1945: A devastating tornado destroyed the business district, including the courthouse.
• 1976: Three improvised explosive devices detonated at Colt Industries during Bob Dole’s presidential campaign visit, resulting in casualties.
• 1993 & 2008: Both years saw severe Mississippi River floods impacting Quincy.

Despite these challenges, Quincy has been recognized as a "All America City" and featured in Forbes' list of the best small cities to raise a family, highlighting its community spirit and affordability.

Becky and Tim's Relationship

Becky Bernadette Postal, a native Quincy resident, excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Quincy Notre Dame High School and earning a bachelor's degree in biological science with a minor in chemistry from Quincy University. She met Timothy Wayne Bleifnik (Tim) in college, and the two married in 2009. Their union produced three sons, born in 2010, 2012, and 2017. Initially, their marriage appeared ideal: both were career-oriented, educated, and eager to start a family.

Deterioration of Marriage and Divorce

After the birth of their third child in 2017, cracks began to show. Becky aspired to return to her career as an ER nurse, resuming studies and obtaining certifications such as Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SAA). However, Tim's support dwindled:

• Lack of Domestic Help: "He wouldn't wash a dish" ([34:22]–James Pietragallo).
• Increased Responsibilities: Becky juggled career, volunteering, and raising three children with minimal assistance from Tim.
• Emotional Strain: Tim became increasingly manipulative and controlling, refusing to attend marriage counseling despite Becky's pleas.

By January 2021, tensions culminated in Tim filing for divorce, citing Becky's changing personality and alleged inability to manage stress due to her nursing career.

Becky's Fear and Concerns

Becky confided in friends and family about her fears of Tim potentially harming her:

• Text to Sister Sarah ([52:33]–Becky Bleifnik): "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim..."
• Influence of a Colleague's Murder: The recent murder of a nurse colleague heightened Becky's fears.
• Failed Restraining Orders: Despite attempts, Becky's petitions for protection were denied due to insufficient evidence, making her vulnerable.

The Murder of Becky

On February 23, 2023, Becky was brutally murdered in her Quincy home. Key details from the crime scene include:

• Gunshot Wounds: 14 shots fired, with defensive wounds indicating Becky tried to fend off her attacker.
• Entry Point: Timpered with an upstairs window, suggesting premeditated entry.
• No Theft: Nothing was stolen, pointing towards a personal motive.
• Sporadic Security Alerts: Previous incidents, including someone on a bicycle prowling her driveway, were captured on neighborhood camera footage ([101:17]–James Pietragallo).

Investigation and Evidence

The Quincy Police Department launched an intensive investigation, focusing on Tim Bleifnik due to the following:

• Search History Analysis:
  • Tim’s laptop revealed searches related to prying open doors/windows, making homemade silencers, and gun maintenance ([121:14]–James Pietragallo).
  • Additional illicit searches included "how to murder your ex-wife" and "how to wash gunpowder residue off my hands".
• Surveillance Footage:
  • Neighborhood cameras captured unidentified individuals on bicycles near Becky's home on the night of the murder.
  • A blue Schwinn Sidewinder bicycle without reflectors was found near Tim's residence, matching the bike seen in footage ([125:06]–James Pietragallo).
• Forensic Evidence:
  • Bullet casings at the crime scene matched Tim's registered CZ75 9mm handgun.
  • DNA analysis found Tim’s DNA on some plastic debris at the scene, though it was inconclusive.
• Behavioral Evidence:
  • Tim's actions post-divorce, such as attempting to secure custody and his suspicious behavior patterns, raised red flags.

The Trial

Prosecution: Argued that Tim premeditated the murder, pointing to his search history, possession of the murder weapon, and matching bullet casings. Notable quote from Prosecution ([167:10]–James Pietragallo): "He climbed onto the second story of the home, busted through the window using a crowbar, and shot her 14 times..."

Defense: Asserted reasonable doubt, emphasizing the lack of direct evidence linking Tim conclusively to the crime. Highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution's case and questioned the reliability of the forensic evidence. Notable quote from Defense ([155:25]–James Pietragallo): "Case is dripping with reasonable doubt."

Verdict and Sentencing

After five hours of jury deliberation, Tim Bleifnik was found not guilty on all charges. The unexpected acquittal sparked outrage among the community and the victim's family, who felt justice was denied despite the mounting evidence.

Aftermath

The murder left Quincy reeling, with Becky's family struggling to cope with the loss. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her children, raising over $130,666 towards the $250,000 goal. The case remains a topic of intense discussion, highlighting the complexities of domestic abuse, the challenges in securing protection orders, and the limitations of the legal system in addressing personal vendettas.

Conclusion

Episode #595 of Small Town Murder presents a chilling narrative of betrayal, fear, and tragedy in Quincy, Illinois. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman shed light on a case that underscores the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. The episode invites listeners to ponder the intersections of personal relationships and the quest for justice in small-town America.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo at [34:22]: "He wouldn't wash a dish."
• Becky Bleifnik at [52:33]: "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim..."
• Prosecution at [167:10]: "He climbed onto the second story of the home, busted through the window using a crowbar, and shot her 14 times..."
• Defense at [155:25]: "Case is dripping with reasonable doubt."

For listeners interested in more true-crime stories and in-depth analyses, subscribing to Small Town Murder is highly recommended.